Feeling very fortunate to have spent the last week in Myanmar at Pa-Auk Forest Monestary and Meditation Center. At this center and the several other branches, Gotama Buddha's technique is taught in its totality. (Oops Gotama would not want me to say that this technique belongs to him as it belongs to all). This is practiced here by monks, nuns and those who stay for long or short time at the center. Vipassana (which we have been mentioning so much about) is just part of the technique however, it isn't until one has developed strong and powerful concentration that they will move on to practice the actual technique to purify the mind (vipassana). The tool used here to develop strong and powerful concentration is called Anapanassati or Annapanna... mindfullness of breathing.
*** I have added photos of a description and helpful steps to practice this... check it out:)
*** also is attached a picture of the book written by the founder of this center that is very useful when practicing this technique in its totality.
**as well as the daily schedule while staying at the center
Spending just a week here has allowed me to take a step back to work on fully developing concentration of the mind before continuing the practice of vipassana while sitting to meditate. It has been very helpful however to have started with the practice of vipassana even if I am not fully ready because it's benefits have still greatly impacted positively and the experiences thus far have allowed for that wisdom and understanding to begin to develop further.
The meditation hall is quite new with two floors. In the center are the big rooms on each floor dedicated to meditation and the morning and evening chanting. As mosquitos are abundant at times of dawn and dusk each person can have a dome shaped mosquito net to place around them while they sit. In the very front and center of the large pillared room sits Buddha on a lotus flower, hands places upon one another in his lap.
*important to note:
Gotama Buddha was a person who was blessed to have self discovered a techqniue to purify one's own mind to lead to a life of love and compassion and end one's own misery. He spread this techqniue and teaching to many and that teaching still exists. This technique and teaching puts one on the path of Dhamma. To live a life of morality, with mastery of the mind and purity of the mind. To see things as they truly are. The oneness that is experienced when practicing this technique is what makes dhamma universal- not restricted to any one religion or sect.
Some playful and such thoughts while at the center:)
*'Let the mind rest in this moment'
-reminding myself of this when thoughts seem to clutter the mind really helped and during the meditation sits... give it a try:)
*when feeling sleepy during sitting: count the breath to bring back concentration then go back to just watching, splash water on the face, rub the face and ears, do walking or standing meditation.
*wow it really is like living in the time of Gotama Buddha as we are so blessed to have his teachings still so much alive and so accessible.
*As the morning wooden bell sings under the wooden stick the monastic choir or dogs harmonize to this 3:30am beat.
*Every piece of insight is so valuable/ every piece of Dhamma.
*those who seek the self realize it is the non-self they are truly seeking.
*so step by step,so based on the reality as it is. For each of us to know this we must truly see.
*You know dhamma is working when one wants to spread dhamma... when the meditation sit keeps getting interrupted by thoughts of who to share with and how to share, when one wants to pop up and yell with love and compassion spreading through to outstretched arms to the finger tips!
Ah.. what joy is felt.
*I have decided to take the long way because I am enjoying this leisurely path :)
Much love and happiness to you all
Also little update:) I sent off today to cycle into Thailand and meet back up with the wonderful being Erin in Bangkok! Excited to enjoy her energy and presence again.
